NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers once opened up about his past relationship with former racing star Danica Patrick, calling it a meaningful chapter rooted in mindfulness and personal growth. After two years of dating, Rodgers and Patrick called it quits in July 2020.
Despite their relationship having ended, it left quite an impact on Rodgers. During an episode of the Aubrey Marcus Podcast in 2022, the Green Bay Packers legend reflected on their time together, emphasizing how their shared spiritual journey had a lasting impact on him.
Aaron Rodgers and His Journey of Mindfulness With Danica Patrick
Rodgers and Patrick, who began dating in early 2018, were often seen as one of sports’ most high-profile couples. Beyond the headlines, Rodgers shared that their bond went deeper than most people realized. They supported each other in exploring mindfulness practices and alternative approaches to wellness.
Rodgers said, “I was dating Danica and that relationship was great for me because she is on her own journey and spirituality is important to her. We both were finding our way, learning about different things [and] practicing meditation techniques.”
Prior to their split, the famous couple had been isolating together during the COVID-19 pandemic. They were seen taking online classes, cooking, and catching up with friends and family over the phone.
Rodgers even claimed that he first met Marcus on Patrick’s podcast, ‘Pretty Instense.’ He revealed that he first heard of Marcus through the podcast, where Marcus had been a guest.
“She started a podcast and she had various guests on and there were times where it was during the off season I was working out, I couldn’t go,” Rodgers explained. “And, and one day she was like, ‘Hey,’ I said, ‘Who you got today?’ And she said, ‘So and so and Aubrey Marcus,’ [and] I was like, ‘The Aubrey Marcus!’ ”
Rodgers also admitted he had been nervous to meet Marcus initially, given how influential Marcus’s work had been in his spiritual growth. Marcus founded Onnit, a wellness brand centered on the philosophy of Total Human Optimization, a holistic approach to health and performance. Something that played a big role in Rodgers’ own mindfulness practices.
Although the couple called it quits in July 2020 after two years together, Rodgers’ comments suggested the relationship left a positive mark on his personal development and helped open new doors in his journey of mindfulness, spiritual awareness, and even impactful friendships.
